London-based artist Olina enthralls with her new single, “Newspaper Smell,” blending a hooky rock sound with introspective lyricism that explores identity and critiques class divides. Originally from Greece, Olina draws on her personal journey of starting over in a new country — specifcially, the questioning of self-worth, and the often menial jobs taken just to get by. One such experience, serving food to self-important aristocrats at Royal Ascot during a summer job, left a lasting impression and helped shape the song’s biting tone. “That collision of class absurdity and immigrant imposter syndrome drove this song’s biting indie rock edge and lyrical dread,” Olina explains.
The opening lyrical proclamation — “nothing’s familiar here” — quickly exudes that unfamiliar fish-out-of-water introspection, though also a perseverance that persists despite a relative yearning for the familiarity of home. “Does it matter what I do…” vocals let out during an exhilarating rock-rousing fervency; the track rises and falls tonallky between steadier contemplations and anthemic ascents throughout, making for a consistent sense of momentum. Thunderous rhythms and string-laden majesty take hold past the two-minute turn, as the vocals continue with a compelling, questioning allure. With shades of Wolf Alice in its stylish rock passion, “Newspaper Smell” represents a captivating success from Olina, who is also the lead vocalist for rock fusion band The Zaramutas.
The track also has an excellent music video, below, that blends delectable absurdity, dreamy footage, and visceral realism within depictions of “a 90’s DIY-style on a walk from Holloway to Hampstead Heath.”
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This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup.
